Talkshow with Farwiza Farhan; Forest Under Female Conservationist

Summary

Fariza Parahan, chairperson of HAKKA, shares her decade-long journey in environmental conservation. She discusses her organization's efforts to protect Sumatra's leuser ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of local community collaboration in conservation. Fariza highlights challenges such as poaching, deforestation, and local economic pressures that threaten wildlife and forests. Despite these obstacles, she remains motivated by a deep passion for the environment. The conversation also touches on the significance of recognition, the need for broader awareness, and the importance of sustainable practices to safeguard ecosystems for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fariza Parahan, chairperson of HAKKA (Forest, Nature, and Environment Aceh), has been working on environmental conservation for over a decade.
• 🌍 HAKKA was founded about a decade ago with a small team and has since grown to over 30 personnel, focusing on protecting and conserving the Leuser ecosystem.
• 💪 Fariza emphasizes that conservation efforts are a collective effort, and the recognition she receives is shared by her dedicated team and local communities involved in the work.
• 🌊 Fariza initially wanted to become a marine biologist, but after learning about the widespread environmental destruction, she turned her focus to forest conservation.
• 🐘 The Leuser ecosystem is home to critically endangered species like the Sumatran elephant and is considered the last place where rhinos, tigers, elephants, and orangutans coexist in the wild.
• 🌿 Deforestation in the Leuser ecosystem has declined in recent years, but challenges still exist, and conservation efforts continue to face setbacks and progress.
• 🏆 Fariza received the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award in 2021 for her contributions to wildlife conservation and sustaining human life on Sumatra.
• 🤝 HAKKA collaborates with local communities, educating them about legal rights and involving them in meaningful conservation efforts, including the creation of women-led ranger teams.
• 🚨 Animal poaching remains a serious issue, with individuals in positions of power implicated in the illegal trade of wildlife, highlighting a lack of respect for conservation in Indonesia.
• 🌱 Local communities are aware of conservation issues but face difficult realities such as financial pressures that can lead them to engage in harmful practices like poaching.
• 🌎 The biggest threat to ecosystems, including Leuser, is apathy—when people in cities take resources like clean water and air for granted, and don't appreciate the impact of their actions on distant ecosystems.

Q & A

What is Fariza Parahan's role in the conservation of the environment?

Fariza Parahan is the chairperson of the Forest, Nature, and Environment Aceh (Hakka) organization and has been working on environmental conservation for over a decade. She is involved in protecting and conserving ecosystems in Sumatra, particularly focusing on the Leuser ecosystem.

What motivated Fariza Parahan to pursue a career in conservation?

Fariza was initially drawn to marine biology because of her love for the ocean, but after learning about the large-scale environmental destruction, she shifted her focus to protecting forests. Over time, she realized that the key to successful conservation lies in working with local communities.

What challenges does Fariza face in conservation efforts?

Fariza faces several challenges, including deforestation, illegal activities such as animal poaching, and local communities that sometimes prioritize immediate economic needs over long-term environmental protection. Additionally, she deals with disruptions in conservation progress, with some setbacks alongside victories.

How has the Leuser ecosystem changed over the years?

Over the past five years, deforestation in the Leuser ecosystem has been on the decline, but challenges remain. The ecosystem is still threatened by human activities such as illegal logging and poaching, despite the positive trend in conservation efforts.

What role do local communities play in conservation according to Fariza?

Local communities are essential to conservation efforts because they are at the frontline of protecting ecosystems. Fariza believes that their involvement in understanding legal rights and participating in conservation activities is key. Her team works closely with these communities to empower them and reduce the impact of illegal activities.

What is the significance of the women ranger patrol groups in the conservation efforts?

The women ranger patrol groups play a vital role in ensuring that illegal activities, such as logging and poaching, do not occur in protected areas. These patrols are a groundbreaking initiative, as women have traditionally not been involved in these types of environmental protection efforts.

What impact does animal poaching have on conservation in Sumatra?

Animal poaching is a significant issue in Sumatra, with endangered species like the Sumatran tiger still being targeted. Despite the efforts to combat poaching, such activities continue to disrupt wildlife populations. A recent case involving a former official and tiger skin trade highlights the ongoing severity of the problem.

How does Fariza view the balance between local community livelihoods and conservation?

Fariza acknowledges that local communities often face difficult choices. While they may understand the importance of conservation, they sometimes engage in activities like illegal logging or poaching due to economic pressures. She emphasizes the need for economic alternatives that do not rely on exploiting natural resources.

What is the biggest threat to the Indonesian ecosystem according to Fariza?

The biggest threat to the Indonesian ecosystem is apathy. When people in urban areas do not care about the protection of remote forests or the environment, it leads to a lack of support for conservation efforts. Fariza stresses the need for greater awareness and responsibility in preserving natural resources.

What steps can individuals take to support conservation in Sumatra?

Individuals can support conservation efforts by becoming more aware of the environmental issues faced by ecosystems like Leuser. Fariza encourages people to learn more through platforms such as Hakka's website and Instagram and to take action in advocating for environmental protection.